What is cURL?

cURL (pronounced "curl") is a command-line tool and library used to transfer data to or from a server using various protocols. It's commonly used in web development, automation, and testing to interact with APIs or download/upload files.

What does cURL do?

• Sends or receives data using HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SFTP, and many other protocols.
• Commonly used to make API requests.
• Can be used to download web pages or files.
• Allows you to set headers, authentication, POST data, and more.

Key features

cURL is a powerful yet lightweight tool, making it a favorite among developers and system administrators. It supports a wide range of protocols and can be easily customized for different use cases, from simple downloads to complex API requests. Some features include: 

• Available on most operating systems (Linux, macOS, Windows).
• Built on the libcurl library, which many applications and languages use behind the scenes.
• Lightweight and scriptable; great for automation.

Use cases

cURL is a valuable tool in healthcare IT for managing secure data exchange, testing systems, and ensuring regulatory compliance, especially in HIPAA-regulated environments. Here are some common use cases:

Testing and debugging APIs

Healthcare applications often interact with APIs from electronic health record (EHR) systems, labs, insurance databases, and patient portals. cURL helps developers and IT staff test these APIs to:

• Validate data exchange (e.g., patient demographics, lab results)
• Check FHIR or HL7 endpoints
• Troubleshoot API errors in real time

Secure file transfer for medical records

Hospitals and clinics often need to send or receive large volumes of files securely (e.g., lab results, imaging reports). cURL supports SFTP and FTPS for HIPAA compliant file transfers.

See also: HIPAA compliant file sharing

Authentication for protected health information (PHI)

Many healthcare systems require token-based or certificate-based authentication for data access. cURL allows integration with secure authentication methods for:

• Accessing patient records
• Submitting insurance claims
• Logging into portals using OAuth2 or API keys

Monitoring system availability

Hospitals rely on 24/7 uptime for critical systems. IT teams can use cURL to check system status, uptime, or connectivity to remote healthcare services.

Automated report uploads and backups

Healthcare providers can automate the upload of daily logs, audit trails, or backup files using cURL in scripts, helping meet retention and compliance policies.

Secure messaging and communication

Healthcare organizations using secure email or messaging platforms can integrate cURL to:

• Trigger secure email notifications
• Send encrypted messages through HIPAA compliant APIs
• Log communication attempts for audits

See also: HIPAA Compliant Email: The Definitive Guide (2025 Update)

Interoperability testing

With the increasing push for interoperability (e.g., under the 21st Century Cures Act), cURL can test data sharing between systems:

• Ensuring correct formatting for FHIR resources
• Verifying server responses for patient access

FAQS

What is cURL used for?

cURL is used to send and receive data from a server. It’s commonly used to test APIs, transfer files, access websites, and automate data exchange over the internet.

Is cURL only for developers?

No. While developers use cURL frequently, IT professionals, data analysts, and system administrators also use it for tasks like data retrieval, automation, and system monitoring.

Is cURL secure for transferring sensitive healthcare data?

Yes, when used with secure protocols like HTTPS, SFTP, or FTPS.